“Squid Game” achieved an unprecedented milestone in 2024, becoming the most-viewed series in a single week with 4.9 billion minutes watched between December 23 and December 29, according to Nielsen. The viewing figure was bolstered by the release of its highly anticipated second season on Netflix on December 26.
Season 2 Drives Record-Breaking Viewership
Season 2 of the Korean deathmatch drama significantly contributed to the overall viewing numbers, with more than 4 billion of the 4.9 billion minutes watched occurring between December 26 and December 29. The figures also include viewers revisiting the first season, bringing the total episodes streamed to 16. This surge reflects the series’ global appeal and the anticipation surrounding its return.
Within four days of its debut, Season 2 of “Squid Game” amassed 68 million total views, making it Netflix’s biggest TV debut to date. The record-breaking momentum continued, with the series gathering 126.2 million views within 11 days of its release. No other Netflix series has achieved such a feat within this timeframe, further solidifying its popularity.
Season 2’s performance earned it the title of Netflix’s third most-watched TV season. It trails only its own first season, which garnered 265 million views, and the hit series “Wednesday,” with 252 million views.
Performance Compared to Other Titles
During the week of December 23 to December 29, “Squid Game” more than doubled the viewership of the second-most-watched series, Netflix’s “Virgin River,” which recorded 2.2 billion minutes viewed across its 64 episodes. Other high-performing titles included Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas film “Red One,” which was 1.8 billion minutes long, and Netflix’s TSA thriller “Carry-On,” which attracted 1.5 billion minutes.
Four additional titles crossed the billion-minute mark during the same week. These were “The Six Triple Eight,” “Bluey,” “Landman,” and “The Equalizer.” Despite strong performances from these competitors, “Squid Game” maintained a substantial lead in viewing time.
The week’s numbers underscore the variety of content drawing large audiences, with “Squid Game” setting itself apart through its combination of returning and new episodes.
Non-English TV Rankings
“Squid Game” maintained its dominance in Netflix’s non-English TV top 10 list following the release of Season 2. Season 1 re-entered the chart at the third position, reaffirming its status as a cultural phenomenon. Both seasons performed strongly, attracting viewers worldwide and driving substantial engagement on the platform.
The significant resurgence of Season 1 highlights its enduring popularity, even as new episodes drew attention to the series. The dual presence of both seasons in the rankings demonstrates the series’ continued impact across multiple demographics.
Season 2’s success adds to Netflix’s expanding roster of internationally successful shows, further showcasing its ability to appeal to a global audience.
Unmatched Success in 2024
“Squid Game” capped off 2024 with a historic achievement, marking the highest single-week viewership for any series during the year. The combined viewing figures for its two seasons underscore the continued global demand for the show.
As the series’ popularity persists into 2025, “Squid Game” continues to generate significant engagement on Netflix, solidifying its place among the platform’s most successful titles to date.